Herzliya is a small coastal city, just north of the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv. It’s the perfect setting for a beautiful and relaxing vacation, complete with all kinds of attractions ranging from beautiful walking trails to historic archaeological sites. Here are 15 incredible local attractions to keep you entertained when you’re not eating, sleeping and relaxing at the hotel.
Herzliya Marina
The number one Herzliya attraction is the Marina. A simple stroll and cup of coffee or glass of wine overlooking the water is an escape but for more fun in the sun come with your water gear and schedule a sailboat outing. Charged by the hour you can go for a short sail or spend a day on the Mediterranean Sea. Quicker, more affordable water attractions include net boating or the famous Tornado – about 20 minutes of high energy, speed boat fun – this is our family favorite. Book the higher octane water activities only if you’re ready for your kids to beg “can we do it one more time!”
For when you are dry and hungry there is no shortage of restaurants, cafes and steak houses lining the water. But make reservations, the marina is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.
Arena Mall
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Technically a marina attraction, the mall entrance from the water side is always open. We like this simple spot because of the ninja course, arcade and gymboree perfect for younger kids and the ever rotating exhibit area (which defaults to the wax museum when there isn’t a special showing in town).
The water activities + mall + restaurant combo makes for a solid day activity when all combined.
The Beach
If we are not in this gorgeous coastal town for the beach then why did we come? One of the best and most beautiful beaches in Israel, Herzliya offers mixed, separate and family beaches that are quieter, cleaner and less crowded than Tel Aviv.
Women’s days are Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and men’s beach days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The separate beach areas are smaller, more private and removed from the restaurants and street traffic. The mixed and family beaches are open daily.
See separate beach details here.
Zappa Herzliya
Zappa is one of Israel’s leading live music venues with locations all across the country. Named after the great Frank Zappa, the venue produces high-quality shows and serves as an intimate space for private and business events. The Herzliya branch boasts numerous shows throughout the week making it one of the top nightlife choices in the area. Click here for a calendar of events and to buy tickets.
Herzliya Park
The Herzliya Park is an awe-inspiring green space in the heart of the city. Park Herzliya stretches over 180 acres, offering expansive lawns, a barbecue area, a stage and natural amphitheater, a lake, and a natural winter pond. Emphasis has been placed on preserving and boosting the natural environment, along with recreation and popular sports. There are walking paths, a 1,200-meter bike path that connects with other biking paths in the area, a mountain bike track, and a dedicated 1 km path for runners. The playground facilities, suited to toddlers and older children, represent an architectural design and planning feat that is unique to all of Israel. Attractions include an 8-meter slide, rope bridges, and more.
Apollonia National Park
Right across from the Ritz Carlton Herzliya, lies the stunning Apollonia National Park and Beach adjacent to the ancient remains of the Apollonia fortress. Walking along Apollonia beach grants visitors the opportunity to look up at ancient ruins and out at the Mediterranean’s crystal clear waters. With upgraded walking paths and stunning coastal cliff views, this beach is a perfect escape just minutes from Tel Aviv. For a family fun day or a romantic sunset stroll, Apollonia National Park is guaranteed to get you living like the kings and queens that used to reign over this ancient gem of a beach.
Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art
The Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the heart of Herzliya, is a museum dedicated to showcasing Israeli and international contemporary artists. The museum’s primary focus is on art that offers a variety of perspectives on the socio-political situation, as well as art that nurtures the future generation by exploring the discourse between artists. (Closed on Saturdays) Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
Shefayim Water Park
Shefayim Water Park, the largest and most popular water park in Israel, covers a site of over 24 acres and is comprised of 3 complexes including the water park complex, the motor park complex, and the adventure and paintball complex. The site also includes restaurants and fast food venues, sales booths, and special areas for selected productions. Shefayim Water Park’s uniqueness is its extensive variety of exciting recreational attractions combined with an easily accessible location. For more information click here.
Mini Golf Herzliya
There is even mini golf in Herzliya!!! It’s an 18 hole course, but you can also find a trampoline complex for children and a café. (Opening hours- 15:30-20:00)
Herzliya Sportek
Sportek Herzliya is a 120-dunam sports outdoor compound in Herzliya, Israel. It is one of Herzliya’s main attractions. The compound consists of several multifunctional playing courts, built for soccer and basketball, and in total has 13 basketball hoops, along with playgrounds, grass lawns, ping pong tables, a cafeteria, exercise machines, a walking track, and a roller skating surface.
Picolonia
Picolonia is a mini town simulation for kids to experience the adult world. Through looking, touching and playing a variety of activities that stimulate the imagination, kids get to experience grown-up life. Children love role-playing games and in Picolonia kids ages 4-9 will enjoy practicing their potential in the adult world through role-playing at the various pavilions. They learn about money in the bank for use in the urban supermarket; they can role-play working as a waiter at the cafe in the town square; and they can “drive” on the road with traffic signs, traffic lights and a gas station. They can be a cook, cashier, racing driver, a princess in a beauty salon, a police officer catching thieves to protect the public or a firefighter. For hours, location and more information click here.
Shivat Hakohavim Mall
Situated right across from Herzliya park is the mall. The Shivat Hakohavim Mall (translated to 7 stars mall) offers the best of Israeli and International brands for plenty of great shopping.
There is also a bowling alley, a movie theater and a more robust arcade perfect for keeping young teens entertained. A great rainy day or crazy hot day activity that’s located in the heart of Herzliya. Get more information about events and opening hours here.
Herbert Samuel Restaurant
The Herbert Samuel restaurant located just inside the Ritz Carlton Herzliya hotel is renowned for promoting Israel’s culinary scene using locally-sourced ingredients. The space, bright with pops of blue, features an open kitchen and overlooks the beautiful Herzliya Marina and the captivating Mediterranean Sea.
Around Herzliya (50 minute drive or less)
Park Peres – Holon Sportek
Less than a 1 hour drive from Herzliya is the Holon Sportek complex featuring Ice Peaks indoor ice skating rink and iClimb facilities. Great for all ages, young novice skaters can feel secure keeping their balance on ice horses. On the drive back to Herzliya grab a late lunch or early dinner in Bnei Brak.
More details can be found here, here and here.
More Museums
In under 1 hour you can chose from an array of museums and culture. Be sure to check ages, hours and book your tickets in advance.
Safari Ramat Gan
Such a fun family day we make sure to visit the Ramat Gan Safari every few years. We usually start with the drive-through safari (don’t open your windows and don’t feed the animals!) and then spend the day walking the zoo grounds and taking pictures with the locals.
Luna Park
This is hands down the kids’ favorite summer activity. They are happy to go a few times throughout the season with the fam or with their friends and always have a blast. It’s much more low key than American style amusement parks but that’s part of its charm.
Caesarea National Park & Speculo Glass
Just a 30-minute drive north of Herzliya lies one of Israel’s most spectacular archaeological sites, Caesarea National Park. Built by King Herod over 2,000 years ago, this ancient port city offers incredible ruins including a restored Roman amphitheater and aqueducts stretching along the Mediterranean coast. The kids love exploring the ancient harbor and imagining gladiator battles, while guided tours help you learn the fascinating history. Note there’s an entry fee to the park.For underwater enthusiasts, the Old Caesarea Diving Center lets you explore submerged ruins! You can rent snorkeling gear or join guided tours to see the ancient harbor from below. If you’re licensed, it’s fantastic for scuba diving at this unique underwater archaeological park.
The real hidden gem is Speculo Glass for an unforgettable hands-on experience! This glass-blowing workshop lets the whole family create beautiful glass art. We made a gorgeous glass vase with flowers and a colorful bowl, an amazing experience for all ages, from my youngest Shaulie Dovid at 10 years old to Hubby at almost 50 (everyone should be healthy and happy until 120!). The skilled artisans guide you through making your unique pieces, and watching molten glass transform is mesmerizing.
The combination of ancient history and creative artistry makes for a perfect day trip. Start with exploring the ruins, then head to Speculo Glass for your workshop. There are lovely restaurants in the area for lunch with harbor views. Book your glass-blowing workshop in advance, especially during busy seasons. Check opening hours for both attractions before your visit.
it’s next to the separate beach it’s not official and there is no lifeguard but it is quiet and less frequented than the other areas so unofficially used by families looking for a little more privacy and a little less of a scene.
Hi!
"Herzliya offers mixed, separate and family beaches" – can you share the details about the family beach in Herzliya?
Thanks!